Josip Brekalo joining Stuttgart in the last window could lead to Alexandru Maxim leaving the club in the summer. Maxim has been frozen out by Stuttgart manager Hannes Wolf this season, and has been linked with Leeds United in recent weeks.
Last month Brekalo joined Stuttgart on loan from Wolfsburg until the end of the season despite competition from Spain and Italy for the Croatian midfielder.
This was the second game in row Maxim hasn’t been brought off the bench by Wolf, and there are now question marks over the Leeds United target’s future at the club.
If Stuttgart gain promotion to the Bundesliga they have the option to extend Brekalo’s loan by another season, and even make the move permanent further down the line.
Promotion is very much on the cards for Stuttgart with Wolf’s side currently second in the Bundesliga 2 table, and if they return to the top flight it could lead to Maxim leaving the club.
Leeds United have held initial talks to sign Maxim, which were confirmed by the player’s agent, but he only expected his client to move in the summer.
Stuttgart boss Wolf has given Leeds United encouragement by confirming they would listen to offers for Maxim because he has several players that can play in his position, including now Brekalo.
